Health experts share opinions and guidance to help ward off Coronavirus.

AIMEE ROBINSON - EXPRESS - Life-style-Health

OMICRON has become one of the fastest spreading variants of coronavirus since the pandemic began. How can you ward off the virus and boost your overall health?

The Omicron variant, which arrived in the UK in early December, has seen Covid cases rocket across the world. This is largely to do with the fact it is thought to be far more transmissible than previous strains, with viral loads far higher in people with Omicron.

Recently, the US Chief Medical Advisor Dr Anthony Fauci recently told the Centre for Strategic and International Studies: "Omicron, with its extraordinary, unprecedented degree of efficiency of transmissibility, will ultimately find just about everybody."

Though warding off this transmissible variant may seem like a daunting challenge, health experts from across the industry spoke with Express.co.uk to share their insight into some of the best ways to maintain good health while Omicron is rife.

Following guidance on social distancing and hand washing

Though, two years into the pandemic it may seem obvious now to wash one's hands and practice social distancing where possible, these remain some of the best ways to avoid catching coronavirus.

Dr Dawood said: "The usual measures we all know about are likely to be much more protective and relevant than previously especially hand washing."

And it isn't just Covid that hand washing can prevent. The NHS states: "Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning and flu."

Wearing a face mask

Face masks have become mandatory in certain settings around the world.

Dr Dawood told Express.co.uk wearing a face mask is one of the most important things in the fight against Covid.

He said: "Instead of simply wearing a cloth face covering, or even a surgical mask, I would definitely consider wearing a high filtration (FFP3) mask in higher-risk situations – particularly, for example, during air travel, now that the requirement for pre-travel testing is being removed."

Indeed, according to Dr Alan Green, a scientist and environmentalist: "Fabric face coverings and ‘fashion masks’ offer some minimal protection."

However, while standard issue disposable face PPE masks "offer better protection" he points out that they are causing a "huge environmental crisis".

Instead, he recommends using something like The Silver Life Face Covering which is a mask developed by scientists made from silver-based 3D knitting technology and "meets the World Health Organization’s recommendations for use against the current microbial pandemic".

The mask is reusable up to 100 washes and made from 36 percent recycled material.

Dr Green continued: “Though the rules often change, as of early January, face coverings are now required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport, including taxis. Face coverings are not required in hospitality venues where food and drink are consumed (such as pubs, cafés and restaurants), or during exercise (such as gyms), including dancing (such as nightclubs)."

However, even if masks are not legally required, he advises wearing them in certain environments.

Dr Green said: "You should still continue to wear a face-covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet."